New Wheeling Rotary Club President Outlines His Vision for Group
Derek Redd Trending
The Wheeling Rotary Club's new president has plenty of plans for the organization during his tenure -- one that's inclusive and innovative, that strengthens its community roots and supports younger generations in the city.
Insurance agent Anthony "Rico" Ruiz addressed his fellow Rotarians during their Tuesday lunch meeting at WesBanco Arena. Ruiz recently was installed as the group's new president, taking the gavel from Daniel Young. He told the assembled group how humbled and grateful he was to rise to the position, before discussing some of his hopes for Wheeling Rotary for his term.
Ruiz wants to deepen engagement within the Wheeling community with local initiatives, schools and businesses, fostering partnerships that help both the organization and the community.
"We can collaborate with local schools on educational programs, or partner with small businesses for community events that highlight local talent and entrepreneurship," he said. "There is no reason why we can't have the Rotary present at every single ribbon cutting that we do for the Wheeling Chamber (of Commerce) right now."
He also wants to embrace diversity and inclusion within the group. A native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, Ruiz has spent several years in West Virginia, both in Morgantown as a West Virginia University student and in Wheeling. Even though he came from elsewhere, Ruiz said he has never been made to feel small or unwanted during his time in the Mountain State. He was the Wheeling Rotary to offer that same sense of belonging.
"We can celebrate our differences and learn from each other, strengthening our bond as a club," he said.
Ruiz wants the Rotary to embrace innovation, both in the way it engages with the community and the way it raises funds. He mentioned a virtual charity run, where participants can run through their neighborhoods and track their progress on an app. He also offered ideas like the Rotary Club of Seattle's Family Fun Festival and the Rotary Club of New York's Dine Around The World event.
Ruiz also hopes to tap into the potential of Wheeling's youth, in part by establishing a Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. He said the Wheeling Chamber already has a similar program through Leadership Wheeling, and partnering with that group could be a possibility.
Ruiz wants his fellow Rotarians to have fun, too, so he wants to enhance fellowship within the club with events like the Rotary happy hour, a charity golf scramble that could include a brunch or a hiking trip.
"So as we move forward, I ask for your support, your ideas and your active participation," Ruiz said. "Let's continue to exemplify the Rotary motto of service above self in everything that we do together. We can make this Rotary year one of growth, impact and memorable moments."